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Lore Isle
Everyone knows there are no wolves in Newfoundland.
Peter’s grandfather has told him so many times. But when Peter spots a wolf-like creature in the woods one day, he isn’t sure what to believe.
When Peter’s grandfather dies suddenly, a strange man who calls himself Mr. Doyle comes to the funeral claiming to have known Grandpa. Mr. Doyle also claims that he can help Peter get enough gold to save his house—a house that Peter’s mom can’t leave without having a panic attack. Willing to do anything to save his house and help his mom, Peter soon sets out with Mr. Doyle to Lore Isle, a land of mummers, sprites, fairies, and murderous pitcher plants.
Enthralled with the fantastical island, Peter comes to realize that not all is as it seems, including the mysterious Mr. Doyle…
An imaginative debut, accented with darkly whimsical illustrations, Lore Isle is filled with magical twists and turns sure to surprise readers on every page.
Peter’s grandfather has told him so many times. But when Peter spots a wolf-like creature in the woods one day, he isn’t sure what to believe.
When Peter’s grandfather dies suddenly, a strange man who calls himself Mr. Doyle comes to the funeral claiming to have known Grandpa. Mr. Doyle also claims that he can help Peter get enough gold to save his house—a house that Peter’s mom can’t leave without having a panic attack. Willing to do anything to save his house and help his mom, Peter soon sets out with Mr. Doyle to Lore Isle, a land of mummers, sprites, fairies, and murderous pitcher plants.
Enthralled with the fantastical island, Peter comes to realize that not all is as it seems, including the mysterious Mr. Doyle…
An imaginative debut, accented with darkly whimsical illustrations, Lore Isle is filled with magical twists and turns sure to surprise readers on every page.
- GenresMiddle Grade
304 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2023
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 27, 2023
Published in The Miramichi Reader June 26th, 2023
https://miramichireader.ca/2023/06/lo...
Lore Isle is a magical land filled with fairies, sprites, shape-shifters, and leprechauns, and with a Newfoundland twist, mummers, and pitcher plants. But as 13-year-old Peter, on his quest to save his home, soon discovers, their national plant and traditional disguised Christmas visitors are a tad darker in this fantastical land on the other side of the portal.
In this fast-paced middle-grade novel you’ll find “Pitcher plants as tall as lampposts” that “have a taste for things much bigger than insects.” Even “The so-called leprechauns were not wearing green and they were not cute”. The author paints a detailed and impressive world unlike any other.
The mummers “are not like the Christmas mummers that came to my house nor like any storybook characters I’ve read about. What exactly are Lore Isle mummers?” “They are specters of people who have passed away in Newfoundland, but can’t go on to where they’re supposed to because they have unfinished business.”
This story would appeal to not just middle graders, but to any age that enjoys reading local stories set in a fantasy world. This debut novel by Jiin Kim, set to be released June 27th, would also make a great first book in a series!
https://miramichireader.ca/2023/06/lo...
Lore Isle is a magical land filled with fairies, sprites, shape-shifters, and leprechauns, and with a Newfoundland twist, mummers, and pitcher plants. But as 13-year-old Peter, on his quest to save his home, soon discovers, their national plant and traditional disguised Christmas visitors are a tad darker in this fantastical land on the other side of the portal.
In this fast-paced middle-grade novel you’ll find “Pitcher plants as tall as lampposts” that “have a taste for things much bigger than insects.” Even “The so-called leprechauns were not wearing green and they were not cute”. The author paints a detailed and impressive world unlike any other.
The mummers “are not like the Christmas mummers that came to my house nor like any storybook characters I’ve read about. What exactly are Lore Isle mummers?” “They are specters of people who have passed away in Newfoundland, but can’t go on to where they’re supposed to because they have unfinished business.”
This story would appeal to not just middle graders, but to any age that enjoys reading local stories set in a fantasy world. This debut novel by Jiin Kim, set to be released June 27th, would also make a great first book in a series!
August 14, 2023
A good story set in Newfoundland, with several definite items from that province. An interesting fantasy novel.
Stands well on its own, but a few hanging threads as hooks for a related story.
I will look for more by this author
Stands well on its own, but a few hanging threads as hooks for a related story.
I will look for more by this author
December 6, 2024
This is like a fairy tale, in the best way possible. I had so much fun with Peter, and learning some of the interesting tales of Newfoundland was also very neat throughout! I did a look into some of the things in the book after, and there's so much love for the stories of the area in this. Definitely one I had a good time with.
June 27, 2023
This book is a fairly even mix of the good and the bad. The story is interesting and stands well as a middle grade portal fantasy. The characters are allowed to be flawed, and the mythology makes sense. I also really enjoyed that the premise is about a (sadly) actually extinct species. The flaws aren’t really that big a deal. There were some mixed up tenses and such. Personal issues I had were that the characters are flawed in a way that I, personally, didn’t enjoy (which is why it’s taken me so long to read, but I digress), and that I’m also not happy about the ending, though I understand why the author made the choices that she did.
I’m a little torn about whether to recommend this book or not. The story is interesting, the characters are mostly likeable. The villains are unquestionably bad, but some also still get to grow and change (possibly more so than some of the other characters).Knowing what I know now, would I have still chosen to read it? I’m not sure. Do I regret reading it? No. It was a good story and I genuinely really enjoyed some bits. I even thought for awhile that I may eventually re-read it, but the ending changed my opinion on that. I guess that means that I’d recommend it after all, at last if you’re interested in the premise, or portal fantasies in general. Just be aware that the ending is likely to be a bit polarizing, so you’ll probably either love it or hate it.
Trigger Warnings for death of a loved one, animal predation, abduction/kidnapping, loss of a child, gaslighting.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and Nimbus Publishing for the early copy. This has been my honest review.
I’m a little torn about whether to recommend this book or not. The story is interesting, the characters are mostly likeable. The villains are unquestionably bad, but some also still get to grow and change (possibly more so than some of the other characters).Knowing what I know now, would I have still chosen to read it? I’m not sure. Do I regret reading it? No. It was a good story and I genuinely really enjoyed some bits. I even thought for awhile that I may eventually re-read it, but the ending changed my opinion on that. I guess that means that I’d recommend it after all, at last if you’re interested in the premise, or portal fantasies in general. Just be aware that the ending is likely to be a bit polarizing, so you’ll probably either love it or hate it.
Trigger Warnings for death of a loved one, animal predation, abduction/kidnapping, loss of a child, gaslighting.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and Nimbus Publishing for the early copy. This has been my honest review.
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April 21, 2024I reviewed an advance digital copy of this book for Atlantic Books Today (check their website for the full review) and I know both of my kids would enjoy it, so I bought the print version when it was available.
The story follows Peter, a 13-year-old, living in modern day Newfoundland. Through a series of events he ends up in an alternate Newfoundland universe called Lore Isle. This place is filled with mythical creatures that don’t look or act as he expected, a memorable cast of characters, and the Newfoundland wolf, an animal that is widely believed to be extinct.
Peter is on a quest to find a hidden treasure that will save his family's home and is challenged throughout the experience to trust himself and others, and step out of his comfort zone. This middle-grade book is good fit for kids ages 9-14 who love adventure, twists on traditional legends, and a bit of dark fantasy.
The story follows Peter, a 13-year-old, living in modern day Newfoundland. Through a series of events he ends up in an alternate Newfoundland universe called Lore Isle. This place is filled with mythical creatures that don’t look or act as he expected, a memorable cast of characters, and the Newfoundland wolf, an animal that is widely believed to be extinct.
Peter is on a quest to find a hidden treasure that will save his family's home and is challenged throughout the experience to trust himself and others, and step out of his comfort zone. This middle-grade book is good fit for kids ages 9-14 who love adventure, twists on traditional legends, and a bit of dark fantasy.
June 27, 2023
I have loved fantasy books my whole life, and I can honestly say that Lore Isle is unlike any fantasy book I've ever read! It's filled with Newfoundland folklore and magical creatures that are both whimsical and terrifying. The beautiful descriptions of Newfoundland and the magical world of Lore Isle, paired with original illustrations from the author, creates a truly immersive experience.
Jiin Kim is a wonderfully talented author and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
5/5 stars! ⭐
Jiin Kim is a wonderfully talented author and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
5/5 stars! ⭐
July 4, 2023
A fun fantasy novel for kids, enough turns to keep you reading and a few laughs too. Great for kids getting in to reading for pleasure
February 5, 2025
We bought this book in a terrific little bookstore in Newfoundland (Running the Goat Books) and we set it aside for a couple years because we just had so many books to read, as one does. But we finally got to it and what a treat. While so much of the story takes place in Lore Isle, Lore Isle is infused with Newfoundland culture. Made me want to go back.
The narrative is keeps you engaged throughout and my kid very much enjoyed the book.
The narrative is keeps you engaged throughout and my kid very much enjoyed the book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews